CRISTIANO RONALDO has been criticised by fans following his celebration of Portugal’s last-gasp winner against the Czech Republic.
Roberto Martinez‘s side began their Euro 2024 campaign last night by facing the Czechs in Leipzig.
Cristiano Ronaldo fist pumped towards the beaten Czech goalkeeper
Ronaldo, 39, rubbed in Portugal’s late winner
The veteran forward also appeared to rub it in a defender’s face
GettyRonaldo congratulates goalscorer Francisco Conceicao[/caption]
Lukas Provod gave the Czech Republic a shock lead on 62 minutes, but Portugal came storming back.
Robin Hranaj’s unfortunate own goal tied the score at 1-1 with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Portugal then had a goal disallowed, before substitute Pedro Neto found his fellow late replacement Francisco Conceicao for a 92nd minute winner.
The late goal sparked pandemonium among those of a Portuguese persuasion, while the Czech Republic players were left desolate that their efforts had been in vain.
After Conceicao’s goal, a clip of Ronaldo celebrating circulated online.
The former Manchester United star could be seen running towards Conceicao, fist pumping in goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek’s face on his way.
He then also appeared to shout in the face of a Czech defender as he revelled in the moment.
While Ronaldo has his many backers, several supporters online thought that he’d overstepped the mark.
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One wrote on social media: “Doesn’t need to do that. Not the best look.”
While a second huffed: “It’s difficult to like a team with this kind of disrespect and arrogance from its biggest name.”
A third pointed out: “Something you wouldn’t see Messi do.”
And a fourth commented: “Classless.”
Another added: “Says it all.”
After the game, Bruno Fernandes talked up the importance of his former Man Utd team-mate, as well as another veteran of the Portuguese side.
Fernandes, 29, said: “We all know that it is important to have experienced players, like Cristiano Ronaldo.
“In fact, Pepe is probably the most experienced in the entire tournament. We know they are vital to us.”
Portugal will return to action on Saturday, when they face Turkey in Dortmund.